The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States provides updated guidance on the applicable approval procedures, technical requirements, and Part 96 Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) interaction with Spectrum Access System (SAS) evaluation, as well as equipment authorization of devices using CBSD handshake for SAS access.
Equipment Authorization
Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs) require equipment authorization through certification per 47 CFR § 96.49
Operation: 3550 - 3700 MHz band
Equipment Class Code:
- CBD (Category A and B)
- CBC (Customer Premise Equipment)
- CBE (End User Device)
Technical Requirements
| Required Data Collection Capabilities for CBSD Management Software | |
|---|---|
| All CBSDs | Category B Devices |
|
|
| EIRP and PSD Limits for CBRS Equipment | ||
|---|---|---|
| Device | Maximum EIRP (dBm/10 MHz) | Maximum PSD (dBm/MHz) |
| End User Device | 23 | N/A |
| Category A CBSD | 30 | 20 |
| Category B CBSD | 47 | 37 |
Security Requirements
The device's operational description (if communicating directly to a SAS) must include detailed explanations for the following items for each SAS the device is expected to work with.
- What communication protocol is used between the SAS and the CBSD?
- How are communications initiated?
- How does the CBSD validate messages from the SAS?
- How does the device handle failure to communicate or authenticate the SAS?
- How does the SAS validate messages from a CBSD?
- What encryption method is used?
- How does the SAS ensure secure registration of protected devices?
To show compliance with the equipment authorization requirements, End User Devices must be able to identify and operate with at least one authorized CBSD and its application for certification must include the test results.
For a general overview of the 3.5 GHz band and citizens broadband radio service, please refer to this link.
The full guidance for Part 96 CBRS equipment can be found here: Certification and Test Procedures for Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices Authorized Under Part 96.
CBSD handshake procedures for SAS access can be found here: Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices Handshake Procedures